The AIDS Advisory Council, appointed in the summer of 1987, was instrumental in creating the AIDS Omnibus legislation (Senate Bill 5886). The Council was set to terminate June 30, 1991.

On March 5, 1991, Governor Booth Gardner established the Governor’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS(GACHA) by Executive Order EO 91-02 to:

• Assist the Governor in developing sound state policies on the HIV epidemic.
• Review and make recommendations about proposed HIV/AIDS related programs and legislation developed or presented by government agencies or other groups.
• Identify gaps in existing HIV/AIDS programs and services.
• Provide the Governor a forum in which to debate issues related to HIV/AIDS.

Since that time, the council has continued to address a variety of issues related to HIV/AIDS in its role as advisory to the Governor. If you have questions about the information contained in this webpage, please contact Lynn Johnigk at (360) 236-3444.